UGA coach Kirby Smart made it a point to publicly show his overwhelming support for quarterback Jake Fromm immediately after the win against Florida on Saturday night.
While Fromm was waiting to be interviewed by CBS Sports in the middle of the field, Smart charged at Fromm and ripped him away from the circle of reporters and photographers. Smart repeatedly hugged Fromm, and it looked like both got teary-eyed — especially Fromm.
It was a calculated move by Smart, who waited to show his affection at the exact moment a national TV audience would be guaranteed to see.
What did Smart say to his struggling quarterback?
“He said, ‘Don’t ever doubt Jake Fromm,’” an emotional Fromm relayed to CBS Sports reporter Jamie Erdahl. “I just feel thankful that I have a head coach that believes in me, and believes in this team. I am so thankful to be here.”
The follow-up question to Fromm: Did you feel like people were doubting you the last couple of weeks?
“Yes and no. There’s a lot of talk out there. You can choose what you want to listen to, and I choose not to listen to it. I’m invested in this team, I love these guys, and they came out and played great today.”
Fromm had a nice rebound game against Florida, completing 20 of 30 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns.
While Fromm put up good numbers, UGA’s most valuable player on offense in the Florida win was receiver Lawrence Cager. The Miami grad transfer became an instant favorite with Bulldog fans for his sterling play on Saturday, catching 7 passes for 132 yards and one touchdown.
Back to Fromm: In the previous two games, Fromm struggled mightily. In the win versus Kentucky, Fromm only passed for 35 yards. In the historic upset loss to unranked South Carolina, Fromm threw three interceptions and was also charged with a fumble.
For some UGA fans, Fromm’s performance Saturday against the Bulldogs’ biggest rival more than made up for the last few weeks.
If Fromm leads the Bulldogs to a berth in the College Playoff, then all will surely be forgiven. With the win over Florida, UGA is in the driver’s seat to represent the SEC East in the conference championship game.
